New season to feature One-on-One Interview with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle Thursday, September 11,2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Addressing the need to provide viewers with a serious and intelligent forum for discussing current news and events, WYCC PBS Chicago is pleased to announce the 4th season of In the Loop.

Presented in a half-hour format, airing Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., In the Loop is hosted by two of the country’s most respected journalists: Barbara Pinto and Chris Bury. Each week, In the Loop is focused on providing a fresh perspective on leading stories trending in the news. Welcoming notable guests into the studio for lively and thoughtful dialogue, Pinto and Bury uncover new angles to local headlines and engage panelists on a wide range of topics across media platforms.

The season premiere on Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 pm will take a look at Suburban Poverty -- Down and Out in DuPage County. Once ranked the 23rd most affluent area in the country, DuPage County has seen a 150% increase in its low-income population. Behind the image of lovely homes lies the story of middle class families struggling to survive.

On Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 pm, In the Loop features a one-on-one conversation with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. During the candid conversation, Preckwinkle expounds on a litany of leading County topics including the 2015 budget; pension reform and why she wants to release nonviolent offenders from the overcrowded Cook County Jail. President Preckwinkle also elaborates about the dramatic impact of Cook County’s expansion of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

In addition to the same great show viewers have come to expect, the Emmy-nominated series returns with some exciting new changes this season. To provide viewers with more in-depth coverage into the lives of those featured and the critical issues affecting Illinois, its cities and residents, the content of each leading story will be expanded.

In the Loop will continue to showcase positive and meaningful feature stories about people, organizations or companies that are making a difference.

Since premiering in February 2013, In the Loop has highlighted hundreds of stories. This season, some of those stories will be revisited to provide an update on activities or recently released findings relative to discussed topics. What’s the latest on the Petroleum Coke or PetCoke lawsuit or the closing of city-run mental health clinics? You’ll find out during the new “Recap” segment.

This upcoming season will also feature the premiere of “Special Editions.” These exclusive shows will assemble experts for a round table discussion on single topics of interest to our viewing audience. Education, medical tourism and the churches role in helping to cure Chicago’s violence are just a few topics being highlighted this season.

In the Loop, airing Thursday nights at 7:00 pm, repeats at 1:00 a.m. the same night and Sundays at 6:30 pm.